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Look up, look around, there's lots to see at the Tattoo

  • Published
  • By Josh Aycock
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFMCNS) --  Patrons can anticipate seeing a lot of activity in the air and on the ground when they attend the fifth annual Air Force Materiel Command Freedom's Call Tattoo on June 26.  Free and open to the public, Freedom's Call Tattoo takes place on the grounds adjacent the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Activities begin at 5 p.m. 

"Tattoo has become something our local communities look forward to," said Dave Egner, Freedom's Call Tattoo director. "As we plan the event each year, we work to make it better than - and different from - the previous. We like to keep folks guessing." 

What's in the air? 

More than 75,000 people are expected to attend this year's event, which will showcase the ties between America's Greatest Generation of military heroes from World War II, and the veterans who serve in our nation's Armed Forces today. 

Both heritage and modern aircraft are scheduled in Tattoo's aerial lineup, including: a B-25 Mitchell, C-47 Skytrain, P-51 Mustang, B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, F-15 Eagle, an F-16 Fighting Falcon two-ship, a NASA ER-2 and more. 

This year's event will also host the Liberty Jump Team, a World War II military exhibition parachute team dedicated to the memory and honor of the men and women of WWII and other foreign conflicts., as well as the 82nd Airborne Jump Team, which is the official representative of the largest parachute force in the free world, the famed 82nd Airborne Division, located at Fort Bragg, N.C. 

As always, Freedom's Call will conclude with one of the most impressive fireworks shows in southwest Ohio.

What's on the ground? 

The technology exhibit, which made its debut last year, is back and is both bigger and better. The intent of the exhibit is to give visitors hands-on experience with current Air Force technology, most of which is researched and developed at Wright-Patt. The exhibit boasts nearly 5,000 square feet of roaming space, including 12 exhibitors with which visitor may interact. 

Two new additions to this year's technology exhibit are an F-35 pilot training aid and a National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut suit. Additionally, an F-16 cockpit simulator, a 14-foot trailer of interactive displays and numerous other exhibits will highlight the numerous ways Wright-Patt contributes to the warfighter.

What else is there? 

In addition to military tradition and remembrance, music will fill the air throughout the night to provide an even more enjoyable evening. Local band, "This Side Up," U.S. Air Force Band of Flight and country music star Aaron Tippin will take the stage throughout the night to perform for the crowd. 

For families with young children, there will be a child-friendly playing area. Food and beverage concessions will be available for purchase. 

A park 'n ride provided courtesy of the RTA will be available from parking lot 20 with parking lots 7and 8 at Wright State University's Nutter Center as overflow parking availability. 

For all of the latest news on Tattoo visit: www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo/
Follow Tattoo updates on Twitter or MySpace: @AFMC_Now